Humans are just social by nature, we're built that way. Our modern civilisation thrives because we work and support each other to create and experience something substantial. Anything that goes against this force is a destructive act that has been seen throughout history.

  While deep in thought, the phone in my pocket vibrates from a phone call request. I did not find the number suspicious, so I immediately accepted.

  Hello?

  Hey, you got a minute to talk?

  It's from one of my old acquaintances. We met back at my last workplace, sometime around my sixties. We kept in touch, mostly trading retirement plans and conversations about his growing family. The last time I heard from him, he was about to welcome his third grandchild. He's also one of the few acquaintances I have left.

  No problem at all, I'm still at the library though, I can't talk for long

  Occasionally, I volunteer at the library. I think it's a good change of pace and I like the atmosphere of being surrounded by physical books. The silence that comes from everyone focusing on their own mind is comforting in a way. It's one of the public places that still welcomes old men without asking them to move along.

  That's totally fine. I was just calling to catch up, what have you been up to lately?

  This is rare. Usually, our conversations would mostly consist of how we can save money or complaining about our joints stiffening in the cold.

  Not much these days, mostly just the library. Still alive and well.

  That's good to hear. Actually, there was something else I wanted to ask. Just a little thing.

  Go ahead.

  Have you heard of SkyLinks? They say it's a way to build a little passive income on the side. Nothing risky. Just... you know. In case pensions don't stretch the way they used to.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  I breathe out of my nose.

  Sounds like a pyramid scheme.

  Yeah, maybe. No worries. Just thought I'd mention it. You have a nice day.

  Appreciate it, you take care too.

  The call ends. The quietness from the library comes rushing back.

  I finished sorting out the shelves, and start packing up and prepare to leave for the library. I put up my trenchcoat and my cane from the chair, but as I walk past the counter, I get held up by one of the receptionists.

  "Thanks, Mr... uh..."

  "It's Eiran"

  "Right. Thanks, Mr. Eiran, we appreciate any help we can get, especially during this season."

  "No worries. I like it here. Thank you too."

  And with that, my day ends. A bit more eventful than usual.

  I walked out of the library immediately faced with freezing temperatures. It's right in the middle of winter when the climate is at its coldest. The streets are illuminated by decorative lights, the vendors are preparing for their festive sales, and the families are going around enjoying the holiday season.

  Unfortunately for me, all I can feel is a slight inconvenience from this season. These temperatures really are not compatible with old age, heat just doesn't seem to flow the same way.

  I tighten my coat and keep walking, cane tapping softly against the ground.

  Feels much colder today, it's getting harder to walk. Somehow, my vision starts getting blurry as well. Is this because of winter? I sit on the nearest bench to take a quick rest, putting my cane beside me.

  I lean my back and slowly watch the city move. Couples, families, and friends, all seem to be enjoying themselves throughout the markets.

  I don't feel any regrets, I chose my life to be this way. But maybe...

  "Next time. I'll try and be a bit more proactive."

  My eyelids naturally fall, and I fall into darkness.

  "Vaelen! This is amazing! Our son seems to be incredibly compatible with our mana!"

  My consciousness drifts back to the voice of a bright, youthful voice. I bat an eye to a few words she just said. Vaelen? Mana?

  "Ohh thank god! We finally have one! Third time really is the charm! Thank you, Serin!! Thank you, God!!!!!"

  What are they talking about? How long did I pass out on that bench? And also, I know I'm in a public space but surely we can have some respect for the elderly and be quiet when they're sleeping.

  "Dear, shush it. You're going to wake him up."

  Too late. I'm going to give them a piece of my mind. I open my eyelids and prepare my preaching.

  "Aah."

  ...but I couldn't. Also, why am I under the face of two people? One seems to be within her 30s and a man seems to be roughly the same age. Both of them have the same black hair, with the female carrying me in her arms.

  "Oh my, he woke up.". "He did"

  So.. I'm now a baby.

  "Gaaah".

  *sigh*